Sepp Blatter on the brink of victory

1 June 2011

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is on the verge of a fourth term in office after attempts to delay the presidential election failed. The vote to formally elect Blatter will now take place later on Wednesday.

A lobby by the English and Scottish Football Associations to have the election pushed back failed to gain the necessary support. Only 17 votes in their favour and 17 abstentions, with overall Fifa’s congress voted 172 out of 206 against a delay.

Blatter has maintained strong support, despite the controversy which has surrounded Fifa.

He said at a press conference: “I am the captain of this ship and we are weathering the storm.

“Our ship is in troubled water and this is why we need to put the ship back on course - and for that we need a leader.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We must do something because I don’t want ever again to face a situation that is so undignified.”

Part of the allegations of corruption against centred on the bidding process for the World Cup.

A 24-man Fifa executive committee were in charge of voting for the hosts for the tournament but Blatter announced this decision would in future be taken by Fifa’s 208-member congress.